Black-crested bird in Central California with white belly and brown/orange side streaks
by Jenny G
(Salinas, CA, USA)
terrible drawing, may or may not have the shape right, but I can't forget that head crest and the orange patch!
Put out some generic birdseed, and along with the blue jays and other small birds comes this one bird about an inch shorter than the blue jays, maybe about 4" tall and as long as the longest distance between your thumb and pinkie stretched out.
Has a large black crest that stands upright and looks like a big black paintbrush stroke; head is entirely black, I think the hood is also black, and the top feathers of the bird and most of the top of the wings and tail as well. Chest is white or cream, and on the sides (not sure if on wings or on chest beneath wings) are large swathes of a brownish orange, noticeable but not super saturated or iridescent. The colors were distinct, no blending. Bird was lanky with longish legs, slim body, and distinct neck like a jay. I think it hopped rather than walked, and was very bold. It had the stature of a jay rather than a smaller songbird.
Can't find this guy online anywhere!
Coming Soon
